Roof Inspection Fall Protection Requirements

The hoisting storage application and removal of roofing materials and equipment including related insulation sheet metal and vapor barrier work but not including the construction of the roof deck in general osha s fall protection standard 1926 501 requires that each employee on a walking working surface horizontal and vertical surface with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet 1 8 m or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail. Under the standard the requirement for fall protection for this work does not depend on the duration of the fall hazard exposure. How does osha define short duration within the context of 1926 500 a 1 and when would or could the length of an inspection or investigation negate the intent of the fall protection exemption.